Perhaps best known, if at all, as the guitar player for hair-metal pretty boys Europe on 1988's Out of This World and 1991's progressive-leaning Prisoners in Paradise, Swedish guitarist Kee Marcello clearly hasn't forgotten his glam and pop-metal roots. But he also realizes that in order to attract a new audience in 2004, he needs to add a bit of grit to his signature melodic style. Fortunately, the music on the bizarrely named Melon Demon Divine boasts heavy riffs, doomy grooves and one-word song titles without sacrificing the melodic sensibilities that probably got Marcello his album deal with Italy's melodic-rock powerhouse Frontiers Records in the first place.
Most pleasing are "E.M.D.," "Epic," "If" and "Comin' Home" - all of which resonate with hooks aplenty. There's even a blues-rock number in "Tattoo for Patto," displaying Marcello's diversity and fret flexibility, and two instrumental bonus tracks show off his shredding might. In addition to some smokin' guitar, Marcello plays keyboards and sings, and he's backed by drummer Snowy Shaw and bassist Klaatu. Despite somewhat murky production, the songs often sound like they originate from more than a power trio. K2 is a decent example of how a player from another era can make the transition to a more-contemporary sound without abandoning his roots.
Track Listing:
1) Pre-Fix (0:29)
2) E.M.D. (4:37)
3) Enemies (4:32)
4) Blood (4:56)
5) Epic (4:36)
6) Raptor (4:38)
7) If (5:37)
8) Falling Apart (4:25)
9) Hey Romeo (3:33)
10) Evil Ways (3:52)
11) Tattoo For Patto (3:37)
12) Comin' Home (5:32)
13) Ride On (5:38)
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